• INTRODUCTION
The doctrine of res judicata is a fundamental principle of civil adjudication. It embodies the law’s insistence on finality in litigation and prevents parties from re-litigating issues that have already been conclusively determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. Without this doctrine, litigation would be endless, judicial resources would be wasted, and certainty in legal relations would be impossible.
In simple terms, res judicata means “a matter already judged.” Once a court has finally decided a dispute, the same parties (or their privies) are barred from reopening the same matter or any issue arising from it in subsequent proceedings.
• Meaning of Res Judicata
Res judicata is a Latin maxim which literally translates to “the thing has been decided.” It denotes a situation where a final judgment of a court conclusively determines the rights of the parties, thereby barring any further action on the same subject matter.
In legal practice, res judicata operates both as:
A rule of public policy, and
A rule of law, designed to ensure finality of litigation.
The doctrine applies not only to claims actually raised and determined, but also to those which ought to have been raised in the earlier proceedings.
• Rationale for the Doctrine
The doctrine of res judicata is anchored on several policy considerations:
1. Finality of Litigation : There must be an end to disputes.
2. Judicial Economy: Courts should not be burdened with repetitive litigation.
3. Certainty and Stability: Parties should know where they stand after judgment.
4. Prevention of Abuse of Court Process: Litigants should not harass opponents through endless suits.
As often stated by the courts, it is in the interest of the public that litigation must come to an end.
